Maryland linebacker Kenny Tate named to Butkus Award watch list

Baltimore Sun staff

Maryland fifth-year senior Kenny Tate is one of 51 college football players on the Butkus Award watch list.

The award, named for Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, is given annually to the country’s top linebacker. Semifinalists will be named Oct. 22, finalists Nov. 20 and the winners will be announced in January 2013.

Tate averaged 8.8 tackles in four games last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He received a medical redshirt, allowing him to return to College Park in 2012.

A first-team All-ACC selection at safety in 2010, Tate is one of five conference players on the Butkus list. Tate has recorded 197 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, seven interceptions and five sacks during his time with the Terps.